Hikin' for Lichens
in Hawksnest

About Your Experience:

Sponsored by Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT), join naturalist Tom Walker to discover the world of local lichens while exploring the scenic Olivers Pond trail in Hawksnest State Park.

Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed from the union of a fungus and an alga. They stabilize and add nutrients to our soils, provide shelter for invertebrates, and promote soil formation on bare rocks. While they may be found all over the globe and in the harshest of conditions, they thrive in areas with clean air, high humidity, ample sunlight, and moderate temperatures. The constant sea breezes surrounding Cape Cod make it the ideal place to explore lichen diversity. With Tom as our guide, we’ll seek out these fascinating and beautiful organisms.

About Your Walk Leader:

Tom Walker is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. He spent several seasons surveying wildlife on the west coast for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management prior to returning to New England. He has many natural history interests and has led walks on lichens, fungi, trees, and dragonflies for the Upper Cape Naturalists Club and other organizations.

Dress accordingly for a spring hike.

Space is limited, so advance reservation required.

Dates:

Friday, May 20th (12-2 p.m.)

Friday, June 17th (12-2 p.m.)

Cost: $15 per person 

Rainy weather make-up date is the day after each walk.

Please reserve at right.

Driving directions to the starting point will be included with your reservation confirmation email.